Micarta/Denim/Burlap? Why?

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browndude3649

Joined
Oct 8, 2005
Messages
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I like micarta alot! But now i find Denim/Burlap laminates for sale here. So my Question is are denim/burlap plenty fine as far as durability in a handle?
I kinda like'em myself.
Personal prefrence?
 
when working with home made stuff its all about how good the maker is and what epoxy resin they use
 
I have tested the slabs I make both from burlap and linnen. The are tougher than any of the wood I have used for scales. I cant speak for anyone elses process but I use approximatly 100psi of compression for my slabs and cure for 48 hrs.
Black burlap I made

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Standard burlap I made

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Like anything else, depending on the maker is correct.
The top knife was featured in Tactical Knives and is Joel Bolden's own Denim Micarta...
"JoelCarta" if you will ;)
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In hand it feels like the paper micarta in the knife below.
Definitely something out of the ordinary.

I don't know if denim or burlap micarta is for everyone, but I sure like it on this knife.
 
I've been happy with mine, and have been using a variety of denims and twills for making mine. I'd say it's defintiely more durable than wood, and we used some flawed pieces I've got in the shop for hammer blocks when laying a hard wood floor here in the house, with little deformation to them. A normal knife isn't gonna be beaten on either. I keep the flawed blocks for clamping and such.

Joel Bolden had a piece of his he kept outside sitting on his deck year round, and it looked the same as the day he laid it out there.

Another nice thing about making your own is you have a much wider range of color and appearance.

I don't know how much pressure I'm using on mine, I just know it's a lot. 6-8 C clamps clamped down very tightly.

Beau Erwin
 
I started making denim micarta 3 years ago and burlap 2 years ago, and have done a number of knives with no problems. I've a piece of burlap that has sat on my deck railing for two years now(including two central PA winters) and has shown absolutely no signs of falling apart yet. I've also used canvas; which also works quite well. Of the three, I prefer the burlap. It's very " grippy" even when wet and has a sort of 3 dimensional look to it, that I like.
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appreciate the fast and friendly replies. I just bought some GITD burlap blocks on the custom knifemakers sec, and then decieded to post this forum.:jerkit:.
Probably have a local kifemaker do something with them in the future.
I noticed some makers do some serious shaping to thier scales.
BTW Nice pics!
 
Browndude, apparently you hit the wrong smilie. ;)

Joel,
Nice work. :thumbup:

Doug
 
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